Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for the Minister, Deputy Harris, who could not be here.

I commend those carers who are over 66 years of age and, indeed, all carers who are caring for loved ones at home. This 24-7 duty of care is one that faces many families throughout the country and I understand the difficulties carers face financially, physically and emotionally, particularly for those who are older carers.

There is no doubt that carers make a significant contribution to the lives of those they care for. Their tireless and selfless work enables their loved ones to continue to live independently in their own homes and within their own communities.

As the Senator will be aware, under the provisions of the Health Act 1970, as amended, assessment for a medical card is determined by reference to financial means, including the income and expenditure of the applicant and his or her partner or dependants. The current income thresholds for persons aged 66 to 69 are those which apply under the general medical card scheme, which is a net weekly income of under €201.50 for a single person, or €298 for a couple. It is important to note, however, that there is a separate scheme for the assessment of persons aged 70 years and over. The income threshold for this cohort of people is under €500 for a single person or under €900 for a couple.

Carers should, therefore, apply for a medical card to the HSE and provide all supporting documentation for a full assessment to be made. In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances. If a carer over the age of 66 years is the sole carer for his or her loved one at home, the carer might be enduring extra expenses, such as medical or social expenses. They should include all such information in their application.

There are no current plans to extend the provision of a medical card to carers over the age of 66 years who are caring for loved ones at home. The eligibility requirement for a medical card for this group will remain as a means test. The Senator might recall that the report of the expert group on medical need for medical card eligibility in 2014 recommended that a person's means should remain the main qualifier for a medical card.

There are a number of other supports also available to carers. Carers over 70 years of age are automatically entitled to a GP visit card and this is not subject to a financial means test. Additionally, carers who are aged over 66 years may be entitled to the carer's allowance. This weekly payment by the Department of Social Protection is made to those on low incomes who are looking after a person who needs support because of age, disability or illness. Carer's allowance is not taken into account during the application for a medical card.

I hope the information provided regarding the medical card options for carers is of assistance and will assist them in their application for a medical card.